Top 10 Things to do in Melbourne

From the world’s smallest species of penguin to the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, Melbourne has something for every traveller.

1. Phillip Island

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne lies Phillip Island with its pristine beaches, iconic wildlife and exciting motor sports. A trip to the island is an absolute must for animal lovers - penguins, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and seals can all be found here. The best time to visit the island is at dusk, when hundreds of Little Penguins return ashore after a day’s fishing during the famous Penguin Parade.

2. Melbourne Cricket Ground

Known as MCG or just 'The G,' the Melbourne Cricket Ground located in Yarra Park is one of the world’s most famous sports arenas. Home to the Melbourne Cricket Club, the G holds more than 80 events annually and attracts close to four million people. Visitors can take a stadium tour or for something unique, catch a game of Aussie Rules. The game seems bonkers to the rest of the world, but Melbournians love it (just be sure to cheer for the Collingwood Magpies)!

Tram: Jolimont

3. St. Kilda beach

Melbourne’s most famous beach is the fun and laid back St. Kilda. Great for swimming and sunbathing, the beach is also the perfect place to windsurf, sail, kite surf, rollerblade, play beach volleyball, jet-ski and water-ski. Only 6km from the city centre, this ‘playground by the sea’ also hosts one of Australia’s oldest and largest street festivals - the nine-day St. Kilda festival in February that attracts more than 200,000 people each year.

Tram: Alfred Sq/The Esplanade

4. Wine tasting in the Yarra Valley

Australia has some of the finest wines in the world, so it would be a crime not to indulge in some wine tasting while in town. Melbourne’s most famous wine region lies 90 km east of the city in the Yarra Valley. The cool climate of the valley produces excellent chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine. Visitors can explore the over 70 wineries by bus on a wine tour, or hire a car and explore on your own.

Tram: Lilydale

5. Eureka Tower

At 297.3 metres high, the Eureka Tower offers the best views of Melbourne and is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. Visitors ascend to the 88th floor in the southern hemisphere’s fastest elevator and are met with 360 degree, breath taking floor-to-ceiling views of the city. Adrenaline junkies should check out 'The Edge' - a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building - with you in it!

Tram: Flinders St Station

6. Queen Victoria Market

This open-air market in Melbourne City Centre has been around since 1878 and is best known for its amazing array of fresh produce. Stroll around the stalls and enjoy all of the free samples of fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood and delicatessen products. The market is also a great place to pick up bargain clothing, souvenirs, art and various bric-a-brac.

Tram: Queen Victoria Market/Elizabeth St

7. Ramsey Street

Neighbours fans may be sad to hear that Ramsey Street and the Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough don’t actually exist. But fans of the show can still go on a tour to Pin Oak Court in Vermont South where the soap opera is filmed. To meet some of the cast, go to the Neighbours trivia night on Mondays at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow Pub where Dr Karl (Alan Fletcher) or Toadie (Ryan Maloney) are your hosts!

Tram: Springvale Rd/Burwood Hwy

8. Old Melbourne Gaol

Come face to face with Ned Kelly - Australia’s most notorious fugitive - at the Old Melbourne Gaol. Kelly became a famous outlaw after a series of bank robberies and killings in the 1870’s. He was caught and imprisoned in the Old Melbourne Gaol before being hanged in 1880. Now visitors can explore the prison and retrace Kelly’s final steps.

Tram: Russell St/La Trobe St

9. Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (RBG Melbourne) is located in the city centre on the south bank of the Yarra River and is home to more than 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants. Visitors can stroll around the gardens, bring a picnic, participate in guided walks or visit one of the two cafes. Best part? Entry to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is free and open every day of the year!

Tram: Domain Rd

10. The National Gallery of Victoria

Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public art gallery and features art from all around the world. The NGV is actually two galleries located a short walk apart – one houses international art and the other Australian art with impressive collections of Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from the Colonial period to the present day. Both galleries have free entry to the permanent collection.